The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? As I looked down at the stiff piece of paper that reported my semester grades, I couldn't help but feel that it was glaring at me and saying, "You should be ashamed of yourself. You are better than this." It was right. I am better than...

"Code Blue. ETA 3 minutes." Commotion was gushing throughout the ER hallways. Doctors and nurses were rushing to Trauma 1, anticipating the arrival of a lifeless patient. I, a hospital volunteer, stood in the corner of the room, observing the staffs' preparations and actions. The sound of sirens became increasingly close until it was shut off at the Ambulance Bay. Abruptly, a paramedic pushing a Striker gurney with an EMT tirelessly doing CPR on the patient rolled in. As I observed the...

Note to future roommate Case Study #795777 Patient's chief complaint: lack of knowledge about her future roommate The patient came in today, inquiring on how to "get to know" her future roommate. She clarifies that she wants to build a friendship that will last beyond college. Desperate, the patient requests from the physician that advice be prescribed. It was recommended that the patient write a letter to her future college roommate. Unsure on how to do so, it was requested that...

What matters to you, and why? I couldn't use the restroom on my own, sit without passing out, walk, get out of bed, nor shower by myself. I lost all of my ADLs (how nurses refer to activities of daily living). Within hours, nearly all of my teenage independence vanished and I was obligated to share my vulnerabilities with others. Perhaps this is why I find compassion matters to me most. Perhaps this is why I contend that compassion is...